Oscar is a shy guy but you'll be going wild for him soon enough, says team-mate Luiz

After the glory of the last campaign, Europe has proved largely a thing of ridicule for Chelsea this season - but don't tell Oscar.

For the 21-year-old Brazilian, it has been a place of sanctuary and salvation, and as he arrived in Romania on Wednesday only Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Burak Yilmaz had scored more than him in European competition.

Oscar has six in eight games, from a couple of wonder-goals against Juventus on his Champions League debut to another sublime solo effort, the winner in Prague, 36 seconds after coming on as a substitute against Sparta in his first Europa League tie.

Good friends: David Luiz (left) waxed lyrical about team-mate Oscar (right) in his press conference

These were the flashes of effortless, technical class which convinced Chelsea to spend £25million on the playmaker from Internacional last summer, at a time when Tottenham were among several clubs in pursuit.

Such moments have been far rarer in domestic football where Oscar's only goals have come against League One Brentford in the FA Cup and Aston Villa in an 8-0 mauling, but there have been encouraging signs of late.

He produced an influential display against West Bromwich Albion last weekend only to be let down by his finishing, and David Luiz is certain Chelsea have a player who is destined to be one of the world's best when he overcomes his shyness.

'I try to help him every day with this,' said Luiz. 'I tell him he's an amazing player with the talent to make the difference and change every game. I tell him to be happy and trust in his football. Some players need this. My job is to give confidence to the guys like Oscar.

'He is so shy but I say, "Come on, you have the quality to be in a side with the best players in the world and you have the opportunity to show that".

'Some guys in Brazil don't, they have the quality but they don't have the opportunity to come to Europe and show the world what an amazing player they are. So, I say, "Come on, don't be shy, show your quality".'

Luiz, who is definitely not shy, is a friend and neighbour as well as a team-mate.

He has been helping Oscar to settle in London and learn English.

'He is a young guy who wants to learn every day,' said Luiz. 'Every game now he is more intelligent. He can grab the game and he's waiting for the moment to decide the games.

'When he first came he was so excited and wanted to do everything. With the first ball, he wanted to shoot. But now he's more mature. We need this guy for a long time at Chelsea.'

Old guard: John Terry (left) and Ashley Cole (right) gear up for the clash with Steaua Bucharest

Under control: Eden Hazard will be hoping to take the game to the Romanians

This will be Chelsea's 50th game of a congested campaign and Rafa Benitez is expected to persist with his squad-rotation policy, picking a team in Bucharest with an eye on Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester United.

'We have played a lot of games and we want to play more,' said Benitez. 'This is the way for a top side in a lot of competitions. If we do it properly, I don't think fatigue will be a problem.'

Ramires and Victor Moses have not travelled to Romania, ordered to rest up by the interim manager, and Demba Ba cannot play in the Europa League because he is cup-tied. Captain John Terry could return in defence and Oscar should retain his place.

'When you are on the bench and you are fit, it is a bad feeling,' said Luiz.

'I don't like it but I understand sometimes you need to play other players. If you want to do just your own thing and play always, play an individual sport like tennis.'

Welcome to Romania: Luiz (centre right) and Oscar get off the plane as the Chelsea squad touch down

In contrast to Chelsea, this glamour fixture represents Steaua Bucharest's return to the top of Romanian football.

Steaua were European champions in 1986 and runners-up three years later but have not added to their collection of 23 domestic titles since 2006.

They are 12 points clear at the top of the league this season and fought back from 2-0 down after the first leg to beat Ajax on penalties in the last round of the Europa League.

Chelsea, however, will try to shake off the embarrassment of being in the competition by winning the trophy.

'This is a great opportunity to win a European title,' said Luiz. 'Last season was Champions League and people were happy but we are hungry again. This is the way to think if you play for a big club. We are looking for the Europa League title.'

Ready to start? Terry (right) and Fernando Torres (left) are in contention to play in Bucharest

Warming up: Petr Cech works on his handling in the National Arena in Bucharest on Wednesday evening